Stay warm and save money

Be an Informed Consumer!

Use these Top Ten Wintertime Tips to Save Money & Energy

The good news… spring is right around the corner. The bad news…your home utility bills will continue to reflect these frigid temperatures for weeks to come. We’ve all boosted the thermostat during the many sub-freezing days and nights to keep warm.

AARP  wants you to stay warm, so we’re working to bring you the consumer some of our best tips for saving energy and lowering your heating bills.

Consider the following tips:

• Seal air leaks around windows, doors, attic access door by adding weather stripping and caulk, if necessary, to windows to stop drafts. Install storm windows to help keep heat in
• If possible purchase a high efficiency water heater with an Energy Factor (EF rating).
• Purchase the correct size heater.
• Turn the water heater temperature dial to 120 degrees Fahrenheit
• Insulate the outside of the water heater with an insulation blanket to reduce heat loss
• Set your thermostat at 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 60 degrees F at night. Doing so will save you 3 percent on your heating costs for every degree you reduce the temperature below 70 degrees F for the entire heating season
• Heat pump users must maintain a constant setting
• Close fireplace dampers if possible when not using your fireplace
• Clean or replace the filter in your forced-air heating and cooling systems each month. Foam filters can be rinsed with water but be sure they are dry before replacing. Fiberglass filters need to be replaced periodically.
• Keep draperies and shades open during the day to let the sunshine in; close them at night to keep the heat in.
• When leaving the house for the day or going on vacation, turn down the heat setting a few degrees. This will save energy while you are away.
• You can learn more about energy savings in Delaware here:
• www.delaware.coop
• www.delmarva.com/energy/conservation/tips
• www.dnrec.delaware.gov/energy/services/GreenEnergy/
• www.publicadvocate.delaware.gov